The Descendants
Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: November 16, 2011
7.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 501 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
405
Mixed:
74
Negative:
22
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10
dougfresh3000Feb 26, 2012
I can safely say that George Clooney is quickly becoming, in terms of acting, this generations Cary Grant. He delivers a brilliant performance in the Descendants as a distracted and distant father and husband forced to deal with a familyI can safely say that George Clooney is quickly becoming, in terms of acting, this generations Cary Grant. He delivers a brilliant performance in the Descendants as a distracted and distant father and husband forced to deal with a family crisis. The movie itself does an amazing job of mixing the events of a family in an emotional crisis with lighthearted touches. You will laugh and cry. The wonder of this movie is that it does not try hard to accomplish any of this. It feels genuine through out. Keep a close eye on George's facial expressions as he struggles to deal with his families situation - they are worth the price of admission alone.… Expand
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8
GabrielaRodBMar 11, 2012
This movie is soo great, im thrilled about the characters, the actors made an amazing performance. But the thing i don't like about it is the last scene at the hospital with George and Judy Greer that wasn't what i was expecting. Leaving thatThis movie is soo great, im thrilled about the characters, the actors made an amazing performance. But the thing i don't like about it is the last scene at the hospital with George and Judy Greer that wasn't what i was expecting. Leaving that behind the movie is highly recommended is a deep story well played.… Expand
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9
beingryanjudeAug 25, 2014
An exquisite look at a most unusual story. Alexander Payne paints another ironically beautiful account of life and characters, with the help of a remarkable performance from George Clooney.
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10
damroberts744Mar 21, 2012
"The Descendants" is a movie many won't quite get, but when you forget preconceived notion then you'll realize that this is actually one of the better looks at the American family in cinema that has been done in recent years. Alexander Payne"The Descendants" is a movie many won't quite get, but when you forget preconceived notion then you'll realize that this is actually one of the better looks at the American family in cinema that has been done in recent years. Alexander Payne continues to rise the ranks as a now established director and George Clooney delivers a dynamic performance Matt King, the films main character. Shailene Woodley however makes the biggest impact with her star-making performance as Alexandra, Matt's rebellious party animal daughter. Its a far cry from the show that made her famous and she really does a stellar job paired with Clooney.… Expand
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10
AwesomeReviewerJun 15, 2012
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9
Trev29Jan 24, 2016
Alexander Payne is a very skilled director. His ability to bring ordinary, but lively characters to life in a moving and funny way is excellent. He truly makes the setting of Hawaii feel like a character all own its own.
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8
Chaseyo2Jul 13, 2012
stunning movie. great story, george clooney does great, and the fact that its in hawaii makes it even better. the scenery is brerathtaking, and the background music hawaiin. its all so great. comical at times, yet sad alot as well. must see.
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8
joncool65Jun 4, 2012
A very well done movie with GORGEOUS scenery throughout. I couldn't help they were rubbing into our face how much nicer Hawaii is then well....anywhere else. Makes you re-think living it upstate New York. Anyway, all very goodA very well done movie with GORGEOUS scenery throughout. I couldn't help they were rubbing into our face how much nicer Hawaii is then well....anywhere else. Makes you re-think living it upstate New York. Anyway, all very good performances, and I enjoyed how unsympathetic the mother/wife in the coma was after awhile.… Expand
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5
Apemonkey666Aug 18, 2012
Alexander Payne makes somewhat formulaic movies wherein disfunctional family members need to find each other again during times of emotional distress. It's well made but seems to last a lot longer then it needs to and it's not Oscar materialAlexander Payne makes somewhat formulaic movies wherein disfunctional family members need to find each other again during times of emotional distress. It's well made but seems to last a lot longer then it needs to and it's not Oscar material but it did win one anyways...… Expand
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7
moonman1994Mar 9, 2013
The Descendants is not a bad Comedy/Drama. It is well directed and all the actors act well. It even has several very funny moments. But overall it doesn't have a particularly gripping story. Also George Clooney is just doing his typicalThe Descendants is not a bad Comedy/Drama. It is well directed and all the actors act well. It even has several very funny moments. But overall it doesn't have a particularly gripping story. Also George Clooney is just doing his typical George Clooney routine. It's not bad but it's not really anything new. In my opinion it's nothing to be terribly excited about.… Expand
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9
SpangleMay 24, 2015
An all-around beautiful film, The Descendants really strikes an emotional chord in its viewers on multiple levels, both through anger, sorrow, and grief, all of which are handled brilliantly. As is typical, the direction from Alexander PayneAn all-around beautiful film, The Descendants really strikes an emotional chord in its viewers on multiple levels, both through anger, sorrow, and grief, all of which are handled brilliantly. As is typical, the direction from Alexander Payne is stellar, the story is well plotted, and on top of that, the writing is great on this one. Some really, really, great dialogue and scenes can be found in this one. Truly a great work on that front. For the acting, it was also stellar. George Clooney is great as always, but to me, the show was stolen by Shailene Woodley. I have seen her before and this one came before the films I have seen her in, but I swear, if this girl does not win an Oscar at some point, some serious injustice has been committed. She is a revelation in this film and really soars in the role she was given. Finally, the mise en scene is beautiful (thanks Hawaii), but truly every element, comes together in a film that is truly gorgeous. A film that is moving, touching, and at times, funny, The Descendants is a true winner that shows why Alexander Payne is such a brilliant director.… Expand
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5
LightheadOct 1, 2012
This is just another example of a "work of art" garnering high favoritism by professional critics. I should have said so-called professional critics. The story, as I read in another review, was predictable. The plot points were not at allThis is just another example of a "work of art" garnering high favoritism by professional critics. I should have said so-called professional critics. The story, as I read in another review, was predictable. The plot points were not at all complex, and somewhat boring. I'm not going to say it was a horrible movie, but it sure wasn't the most fascinating movie I've seen by any stretch of the imagination. Sad to say, it seems like Payne's days of creating high art, such as the movie Sideways, are over. I think it's also important to note that the acting was very mechanical, and not natural. For me personally, it was not an addictive movie, unlike his 2004 film. The Hawaiian setting could have allowed for either an extremely interesting, or really bad movie. It seemed like Payne was trying really hard to keep it from veering off into really bad. The other thing that makes me argue against it being a great movie is that I didn't learn anything from it. I think the only thing I learned is that the children of bad parents, say bad words and do stupid things. The Descendants was a smug, and pretentious film that did not have much artistic merit. Trust your instincts and say no to this movie. Not worth it. Watch a Coen brothers film.… Expand
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5
JawsLaxerDramaDec 20, 2012
I have no idea why this was nominated for an Oscar. Having lost my dad to cancer, I thought it would be a good movie. I am 16 and I love great movies. (check out my ratings) But...what the hell? It's not an awful movie, and it is supposed toI have no idea why this was nominated for an Oscar. Having lost my dad to cancer, I thought it would be a good movie. I am 16 and I love great movies. (check out my ratings) But...what the hell? It's not an awful movie, and it is supposed to be serious. A serious piece meant to open the eyes, but all I wanted to do was sleep during the entire movie. Just, what the hell, Academy?… Expand
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8
Iky009Jan 7, 2014
Destaques para história e para atuação de elenco que são perfeitas.Destaques para história e para atuação de elenco que são perfeitas. … Expand
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8
Compi24Nov 28, 2012
Splendidly written and magnificently acted, "The Descendants" overall proves to be an emotional endeavor into some incredibly rich thematic subject matter.
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6
wisertimeNov 25, 2013
An ok movie. Not great, not awful and certainly not up to any expectations one might have had. Acting is fine, story is a bit odd. The dead mother/wife was not portrayed as a loving positive person really, which was unusual, so it was hardAn ok movie. Not great, not awful and certainly not up to any expectations one might have had. Acting is fine, story is a bit odd. The dead mother/wife was not portrayed as a loving positive person really, which was unusual, so it was hard to be that sympathetic. Clooney was good being Clooney. The daughter was a positive note. I'm only reviewing this because I stumbled on it here. Not something you'd watch over and over.… Expand
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4
adamSv94Aug 3, 2013
Stupid piece of crap. Don't waste your time watching this movie, it's sooooooooooooooooo boring (at least the second half of it). You will be watching your watch for the last hour
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6
PuciferApr 26, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So, apparently, even jerks feel pain. And silly me, I thought they only knew how to inflict it. And of course the jerks learn to forgive and harmony is restored, fade out. It all seem way too pat and by-the-book, i.e., formulaic, to me. But hey, the Academy thinks the screenplay was just boffo. Go figure.… Expand
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10
MccuskyMar 3, 2018
A really emotional movie mainly seen from the eyes of just one character. Great story, funny and moving but still unpredictable. It glows with charm and will leave you wanting to watch again.
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5
ypomoniJul 5, 2013
There is a definite Sideways feel about this film, unfortunately it never reaches that level. Maybe a fault in the script, but I couldn't relate (or understand) the actions of most of the characters in the film. The acting didn't help eitherThere is a definite Sideways feel about this film, unfortunately it never reaches that level. Maybe a fault in the script, but I couldn't relate (or understand) the actions of most of the characters in the film. The acting didn't help either it was flat. A scene towards the end of the film, where Clooney's character Matt King) talks to his wife complete with close up and tears failed to stir any emotions. This to me summed up the whole film, with the exception of Scottie (Amara Miller) the only character in the film that made me give a damn. Overall, a film I'll probably forget sooner rather than later....… Expand
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9
peterf28Nov 29, 2018
Good movie : very good acting, very calming, no drama/affect/shouting, from dust we come and into dust we turn . And of course the hawaian sceneries are beautiful ...
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8
ydnar4Jul 21, 2015
The Descendants hits me like a dark comedy, although I really didn't find it very funny other than in a few spots but the film take a different look at a mostly dark scenario. I love the Hawaii setting and it really feels like the environmentThe Descendants hits me like a dark comedy, although I really didn't find it very funny other than in a few spots but the film take a different look at a mostly dark scenario. I love the Hawaii setting and it really feels like the environment is one of the characters in the film. The acting is also very strong from George Clooney and the young actress Shailene Woodley, the scenes the two shared where some of the films best. This film is certainly not for everyone if you are looking for lots of action or humour this isn't for you but that does not mean its not a good movie.… Expand
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7
AliceofXMar 6, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Descendants is a great portrayal of family. It shows it in a realistic way with the sort of characters you recognize in your own family. It is at times not the prettiest picture but one that rings true. The very name „The Descendants" might seem puzzling at first but it is basically the theme of the film. This is a film about what we leave behind and to whom. Our legacy, in other words.

For me the most interesting thing in this movie was the relationship between Matt (George Clooney) and Alexandra (Shailene Woodley). They play the roles of absent father and rebellious daughter. They fight one another while both try to protect the younger sister Scottie from the harsher facts of life.

Besides the family drama Matt also has land/money drama. He and his relatives are about to sell land that has been theirs for many generations. Matt is originally for it, but at the very last moment he refuses to sign the papers. He then gives a great speech about how it is not theirs to sell, it was entrusted to them. It was a great moment, but all the time I kept thinking – is there a more selfish reason for this? We had previously learned that his wife's lover would greatly benefit from this sale so is his secret motive to screw the guy over? It kind of ruined a great moment.

But overall The Descendants is a solid drama film which I enjoyed watching.… Expand
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7
wornoutspinesMar 10, 2015
I watched the Oscars and other award shows so when The Descendants got all these accolades it peaked my interest but I never got around to watch the film. I now have, and let me tell you I was not particularly impressed, I didn't connect withI watched the Oscars and other award shows so when The Descendants got all these accolades it peaked my interest but I never got around to watch the film. I now have, and let me tell you I was not particularly impressed, I didn't connect with the movie. But watching it I understood that people would easily connect with The Descendants. I mean, if you've been through or going through something similar this movie could really move you, and touch you like Still Alice did for me this year.

So while part of me does not really understand why George Clooney scored an Oscar nomination for this - I'd have to check out who the other contenders were but I don't care that much - I have to admit that it is a decent film. It's simple, doesn't take itself too seriously, and a bit raw. The characters are easy to relate, in some way, they're kind of stripped down and feel like regular people going through some though times.

Like I said, I couldn't really relate to the film because so far I've been lucky enough not to have lost anyone close to me. I know, I'm lucky I am and I do feel like I'll experience this movie very differently when I eventually go power through a big loss. Don't get me wrong, I'm not waiting for a tragedy to watch this movie again. All I'm saying is that The Descendants as everything to faithfully depict the aftermath of a tragedy, the frustration, the emotions, the humor, and the relief.… Expand
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8
audreythomas25Feb 19, 2016
A truthful, warm-hearted, deeply moving film about loss, about death, about legacies and, yeah, family.

Watch here for free http://www.watchfree.to/watch-17c37d-The-Descendants-movie-online-free-putlocker.html
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7
CinemaphileJul 29, 2016
Island hop through the imperfect lives of a Hawaiian family. The travelogue through their lives is as revealing as the debunking of the Hawaiian paradise myth. Great dialogue, quirky characters and strange turns in the plot are reminiscent ofIsland hop through the imperfect lives of a Hawaiian family. The travelogue through their lives is as revealing as the debunking of the Hawaiian paradise myth. Great dialogue, quirky characters and strange turns in the plot are reminiscent of a Michael Chabon novel. Worth full ticket price for both the intimate look at Hawaii and the lives of those that live there.… Expand
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10
alejandro970Nov 24, 2018
One of best achievements of George Clooney. A history in a place (at same time) closer and far to paradise; the hardest art of how to handle the inevitable, specially with the children. A must to see.
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6
TrailesqueApr 13, 2021
Clooney gives one of his usual fine performances as a well-off lawyer confronting a couple of major crossroads in his life. His wife is in a coma following a water-skiing accident, his kids are having some problems, and his extended familyClooney gives one of his usual fine performances as a well-off lawyer confronting a couple of major crossroads in his life. His wife is in a coma following a water-skiing accident, his kids are having some problems, and his extended family is about to sell off a huge, stunning waterfront property. When he finds out that his not-so-beloved wife had a lover, for reasons that are never made clear, he wants to meet the guy, and his teenage daughter gets involved in this also. Human foibles, tugs on the heart strings, cheating spouses, smart-mouthed, precocious kids, an extended family, Hawaii . . . I am a big fan of Alexander Payne's work (Citizen Ruth, Election, Sideways), but this, while interesting enough, did not truly ignite for me.… Expand
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7
daleyzDec 26, 2017
Excellent soundtrack, love that slack key Hawaiian Guitar, particularly Keola Beamer. The story was nice in the sense that it felt real, different than the usual Hollywood drivel, but still it was somewhat boring.
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9
sonecamanDec 30, 2017
George Clooney gives us an realistic performance and shows up the betrayal and disapointment
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8
amheretojudgeFeb 22, 2018
i'm the backup parent..

The Descendants Even though the premise floats on intense tone and serious family drama, the quality that attracts the viewers is the hint of a comic personality in each and every character that comes out of themi'm the backup parent..

The Descendants

Even though the premise floats on intense tone and serious family drama, the quality that attracts the viewers is the hint of a comic personality in each and every character that comes out of them even in such circumstances. The Descendants is one of those rare films that totally resonates with reality and practicality of it and still endures the dramatic side of it with genuine emotions, pragmatic characters and unpredictable script. Alexander Payne is completely aware of the world he is projecting onto the screen and uses it in a perfect way to connect the audience and offer enough content to feed them for around 2 hours. And as far as performance is concerned, George Clooney is at its best, as a disturbed and often surprisingly funny guy in a tragic stage of his life; he is carrying the whole movie on his shoulder. The Descendants is a movie that allows audience to rethink about it and keeps them on hold by unfolding the plot on each phase in a perfect way possible.… Expand
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